Former Senator Karen Peterson endorses Dennis E Williams

Karen Peterson served as a State Senator in the Delaware General Assembly from 2002 to 2016 and as President of New Castle County Council from 1981 to 1989. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her work on good government and transparency issues.

I proudly support Dennis E Williams for Delaware State Auditor and urge Democrats to vote for him in the Democratic primary on Thursday September 6.

I know Dennis to be a person of integrity, with a strong commitment to public service. I met Dennis many years ago but really got to know him during the time we served together in the Delaware General Assembly. Dennis showed a commitment to government transparency and accountability from his first day in the Legislature, as a cosponsor and vocal advocate of HB1, expanding the Freedom of Information Act. We worked on several bills together and Dennis was always well informed, prepared, and effective in getting these bills passed in the House. His colleagues in both chambers and both parties respected his experience and valued his input, especially in matters of business and finance. Dennis served on the House Revenue and Finance Committee and the Joint Capital Budget Committee. He understands the state budget and budget process and worked to truly hold elected officials and agency heads accountable during the Capital Budget hearings.

Dennis was also one of the most progressive members of the General Assembly, passionate about advancing women’s rights, civil rights, worker’s rights, and protecting children and families. Dennis cosponsored legislation for nondiscrimination protections for sexual orientation and identity, for civil unions, marriage equality, raising the minimum wage, stronger rules to prevent workplace fraud, advancing gun safety, promoting renewable energy, preventing animal cruelty, and to repeal the death penalty. Dennis also comes from a union family and was a building trades union member himself. He understands and has always fought for working families. Dennis will also be a great addition to the Board of Pardons. I know he will be fair and open to giving the applicants a second chance if they have earned it.

Dennis has an impressive background, with degrees in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Delaware and a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and School of Engineering. He has worked as an auditor and accountant for 35 years. As a civilian Navy auditor he helped uncover millions of dollars in fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. He has led large teams of accountants and financial professionals for large corporations and has experience as a CFO for a non-profit organization.

I am convinced that Dennis’ education and experience make him the most qualified person to be our State Auditor.

Equally important, Dennis is the only person with the independence to do this job. He is the only candidate who has not accepted endorsements or campaign contributions from the very elected officials the office is legally required to audit and investigate. He is not beholden to anyone but the people of Delaware.

Dennis will work with honesty and integrity for the people of Delaware, always putting the people’s interest above any special or personal interest. Dennis E Williams has my vote for State Auditor and I urge you to also vote for Dennis on Thursday September 6.